Best gaming laptops under $1,200

Top pick: Alienware Aurora 16" — the one I'd buy. A 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz screen is a big step up from the 1080p panels most laptops here use, and it's rated 4.6/5 from 425 ratings. Best all-rounder for gaming and everyday work.

Who the others suit:

• Lenovo Legion LOQ — highest owner rating here (4.8/5); pick it if you trust reviews over specs.
• GIGABYTE Gaming A16 — 16:10 1200p screen, good for mixed gaming and productivity.
• MSI Katana 15.6" (2024) — a safe, well-reviewed mainstream 15-inch with a 144Hz panel.
• HP Victus 15 — the budget-friendly way in if you mostly play esports titles.
• MSI Thin 15 — lightest-feeling option for carrying around; expect a modest GPU.
• Acer Nitro V 15 — 165Hz screen for fast shooters on a tighter budget.

Skip the Acer Nitro 5 (AN515-55) — it's an older generation.